We all know the foods and drinks that are the main culprits for causing tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. They include refined carbohydrates, high in added sugar, such as chocolate, sweets, cookies, cakes and soft drinks. But just because you avoid these foods and beverages, doesn’t mean you are not at risk of the oral conditions mentioned above.
That’s because there are a number of common foods and beverages with hidden sugar, that we wouldn’t expect to cause oral problems. These can slowly wreak havoc on your teeth and gums, even if you maintain a thorough oral care and hygiene routine.
To add to the confusion, some of these foods are labelled misleadingly as “healthy”, when in fact they are actually very high in sugar. They are easy to get stuck or caught in your teeth, which prolongs your teeth’s exposure to oral bacterial acid. Since parents think these kinds of foods are “healthy”, they are prone to allow their children to snack, or even graze, on them all day.
According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the following foods and beverages are “risky” treats and snacks that should be consumed in moderation, and cleaned off teeth afterwards:
